Starting your own legal business can be a daunting task. There are so many things to think about, from marketing and branding to the day-to-day operations of your firm.
That's why we've put together this list of basic tips to help you get started. Think of it as the dummies guide to starting your own business.
Keep in mind that this is just a starting point - you'll need to do more research and planning to make your business successful. But these tips will give you a good foundation to work from.
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Decide on your business model and company structure
The first step is to decide on the business model for your firm. Are you starting a traditional law firm, a solo practice, or something else? Each type of business has different requirements, so it's important to choose the right one for you.
Once you've decided on your business model, you'll need to set up your company structure. This includes choosing a business name, registering your company, and getting the appropriate licenses and permits.
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Focus on your branding and marketing
There are a lot of law firms out there, so you need to make sure yours stands out from the crowd. Your branding and marketing should reflect the unique values of your firm.
Make sure your website is up-to-date and easy to use, and that your social media presence is strong. You should also consider other marketing channels, like email marketing, pay-per-click advertising, and referral programs.
Remember, not all marketing has to have a significant cost attached. Social media marketing and content marketing are two great examples of low-cost marketing techniques that can be very effective.
No business can succeed without a great team behind it, and this is especially true in the legal industry. You need to surround yourself with talented and experienced individuals who share your vision for the business.
Of course, you don’t have to hire a full team from the outset. You can start with a smaller team and then grow it as your business grows. This trick is to hire people who reflect the culture you want to create in your business. Sometimes, the best resume isn’t always the best fit for your business.
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Prioritize networking and communication
The ability to network and communicate effectively is absolutely essential in the legal industry. You need to be able to build relationships with clients, other lawyers, and even judges.
You also need to be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both in writing and in person. This is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice.
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Invest in the right technology
The legal industry is a notoriously slow adopter of new technologies. But if you want to be successful in starting your own law business, you need to be ahead of the curve.
A good example of tech that can set you apart from the competition is a client portal for lawyers. Client portals are a great way to improve collaboration and communication with clients by giving them a secure, online space to access and share documents.
How CoraLegal can help
Developed by Coraltree, CoraLegal is a market-leading client portal for lawyers that can help you streamline your workflow, improve communication with clients and save you time and money.
CoraLegal is easy to use and comes with a range of features to suit the needs of any law business, no matter what size.
If you’re starting your own law business and looking for ways to improve your workflow and communication with clients, then a client portal like CoraLegal is a great option.
To find out more about how CoraLegal can help you streamline your workflow and improve communication with clients, request a free demo today or sign up for our 30-day free trial!
